Question 1

what is the definition or description of: paralytic ileus?

Accepted Answer

Gut  "Turned Off": Food propagates thru the intestine via the coordinated contraction of muscle within the intestinal wall--we call this peristalsis.  This muscle function can be "turned off" temporarily by many different factors (narcotics, inflammation within the abdomen, inactivity, spinal problems, etc) leading to a functional obstruction of the intestine & secondary bloating, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc.

Question 2

do people with paralytic ileus have a lot of pain?

Accepted Answer

Highly variable.: Paralytic ileus describes dysfunction of the intestinal tract where the bowels "shut off" causing bloating, nausea+/-vomiting, and cramping pain.  Ileus is always secondary to an underlying process in the abdomen (infection, intestinal surgery); therefore, there may be pain associated with the primary process, as well.  Once the primary process is treated, intestinal function returns to normal.

Question 3

what is the mechanism of paralytic ileus seen post-operatively?

Accepted Answer

Many causes: Ileus is a common condition after abdominal surgery, and occasional after major operations not related to the abdomen. Usually is cause by manipulation of the bowel during surgery, anesthesia, narcotics for pain, can last for several days to a couple of weeks. It is recommended for patients to ambulate the next day after surgery to stimulate bowel function and to minimized narcotics.

Question 4

what is the exact mechanism of paralytic ileus post-operatively.?

Accepted Answer

Common: This is a normal or common reaction to the trauma of surgery, anesthetics, and narcotic pain medication. These all cause the muscular wall of the small intestine to essentially fall asleep and stop functioning. This then results in temporary build up of air and fluid inside the intestines. As the intestinal wall awakens, abdominal cramping may occur, then they gradually return to normal function.

Question 5

please help! what is the exact mechanism of paralytic ileus seen post-operatively?

Accepted Answer

Post-op ileus: Whenever the intestines are handled in surgery, the normal motion can decrease. Each short piece of bowel squeezes and pushes the food inside along the bowel. After surgery, the pushing is not coordinated, and the fluid in the bowel can back up. All narcotic pain medication slows the bowel down as well. Your surgeon may not want to let you eat - you will be more likely to throw up.

Question 6

info on paralytic ileus following correction of scoliosis?

Accepted Answer

Whatch for: Superior mesenteric artery syndrome resolves with time belly rest narcotics can be cause.

Question 7

how long from post op paralytic ileus to severe stomach distension?

Accepted Answer

Need an evaluation: One worries about adhesions after surgery - that might cause partial blockage and distension of the stomach or intestine.  If you are having severe distension, you need to see your physician, find out what is causing the problem, and, hopefully, finding a solution

Question 8

can lumbar epidural steroid injections with steroid+anesthetic cause paralytic ileus of 5 days duration?

Accepted Answer

Ileus after ESI: No. But the use of pain medications (narcotics, ssri, neurontin/lyrica) or muscle relaxers can certainly cause these symptoms. Other cause would be significant inactivity which could contribute.

Question 9

how does peptic ulcer cause paralytic ileus?

Accepted Answer

Ileus is not related: To peptic ulcer disease unless there is some perforation involved in which case patient would be very sick. Ileus is usually related to adhesions from prior surgeries, any infection inside the abdomen, pneumonias, urinary tract infections, pelvic surgery, immobility and certain neurologic conditions such as parkinsons.

Question 10

is ileus with fecal stasis dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: An ileus is a slowing down of the motility or flow through the bowel, and can occur typically when someone is taking a lot of pain meds, or has recently had a big operation.  Some metabolic problems can cause it also.  It generally doesn't require an operation, contrary to a bowel obstruction, which may.  It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two.  A surgeon can help differentiate.

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Doctor answers about:

Paralytic ileus diet

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: paralytic ileus?

A member asked:

Do people with paralytic ileus have a lot of pain?

A member asked:

What is the mechanism of paralytic ileus seen post-operatively?

A member asked:

What is the exact mechanism of paralytic ileus post-operatively.?

A member asked:

Please help! what is the exact mechanism of paralytic ileus seen post-operatively?

A member asked:

Info on paralytic ileus following correction of scoliosis?

A member asked:

How long from post op paralytic ileus to severe stomach distension?

A member asked:

Can lumbar epidural steroid injections with steroid+anesthetic cause paralytic ileus of 5 days duration?

A member asked:

How does peptic ulcer cause paralytic ileus?

A member asked:

Is ileus with fecal stasis dangerous?

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